Fast Facts: Allowing Undocumented Residents to Drive Legally Would Help New Jersey

Everyone in New Jersey would benefit from legislation that would ensure the state’s undocumented immigrants are tested, trained, licensed and insured drivers – and accountable for their driving records.

Between 153,000 and 278,000 undocumented New Jerseyans would likely apply for a limited license in the first three years of a new policy; in total, about 464,000 New Jersey immigrants would be eligible for a license.

New Jersey would be the 13th state to implement this common-sense policy, which would:

Make the state safer:

• There would be fewer risky uninsured and unlicensed drivers on the road.

• There would likely be a decrease in fatal accidents, based on the experience of states with similar laws.

• Communities would be made safer by improving the trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

Help New Jersey’s economy:

• More New Jerseyans would be able to fully participate in the state’s economy.

• New Jersey would see about $245 million in new insurance payments, which help hold premium payments down for everyone.

• In the first three years, the state would collect between $5.2 million and $9.5 million in license and permit fees (assuming the license costs $24, the same as a standard license, and the permit costs $10), and upwards of $7 million in new registration fees (assuming that just over 150,000 people newly register a vehicle at a cost of $46.50 each).

Increase the well-being of families:

• Undocumented parents would be able to drive their children to school or doctors’ appointments without breaking the law.

• This policy would reduce the chances of family separation via deportation or jail time and help ease the anxiety that can damage a child’s development.

This common-sense policy change also has widespread support:

• 15 mayors have signed on in support of statewide legislation

• In addition, 12 cities and towns, and 4 counties, have passed resolutions supporting the bill

The key details of A-4425/S-2925

• The bill allows New Jerseyans without documents proving their immigration status or meeting the current six-point system to apply for a limited license that proves their identity, date of birth and residency in New Jersey.

• This limited license would look different from a regular New Jersey license – it would say “Federal Limits Apply” on the front, meaning that it could not be used to board flights, for example. A similar model was approved in California by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• More than 20 different documents – from an unexpired consular identification to adoption records – could be used to verify a person’s identity, date of birth and New Jersey residency.

• Other vulnerable populations who have trouble meeting the six-point requirements – like veterans, the formerly incarcerated and the homeless – would benefit.

• The bill establishes – but does not fund – an outreach and education campaign to inform the public about the policy change

What this bill doesn’t do:

• Grant anyone legal status – only the federal government has the power to make this kind of change

• Allow license-holders to apply for state and federal programs like NJ FamilyCare or welfare

• Authorize license-holders for work – valid Social Security numbers are needed to gain employment legally

Other key provisions of the bill

• The limited license would be valid for 4 years from date of issuance

• Includes provisions to protect people from discrimination based on holding or presenting this license

• The Motor Vehicle Commission would be required to report on the effectiveness of the legislation and any discrimination violations reported after 4 years of implementation